Women’s History Month: Frida, Kemba, & Shirley Film Review

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we can visually honor women who have gone before us, using their lives as an example that transcends the weight of the world that continuously attempts to limit our existence as exceptional human beings.

Three unique yet profound film documentaries have arrived, and they will undoubtedly remind you that women’s tenacity, encouragement, and resiliency are just a few pillars that can take you beyond your wildest dreams of purpose fulfillment. All three are highly recommendable, and a brief insight into viewing access details is available below.

FRIDA
Prime Video Biopic

Some people say a picture paints a thousand words. However, the life of Frida Kahlo is beyond the idea of just witnessing an artist showcase their genius through the strokes of paint on a canvas. It is quite refreshing to behold a documentary that captures the essence of a woman’s worth through her words via diaries, letters, essays, and print interviews, as Director/Editor Carla Gutierrez beautifully captures intricate illustrations and animation.

Some may initially perceive this documentary as leading to boredom or presenting a childlike history lesson. On the contrary, this film is more than palatable. Narrator Fernanda Echevarria del Rivero’s voice captivates you as she depicts Kahlo’s spirit and all that she encounters throughout her life. It is significant to behold Kahlo’s fiery personality come to life at such a young, impressionable age as we witness her family upbringing, which shaped her view of the world.

Whether you are familiar with Kahlo’s works of art or just now discovering the trailblazing path she left behind, I feel many will appreciate the real and raw descriptions of a woman who encounters the variables of navigating the upper echelon of America whose wealth is loud and obnoxious. Hearing Kahlo describe this inner circle is quite hilarious and profound.

“FRIDA” is Gutierrez’s film directorial debut, and her future appears bright in this industry as we hope to see more of her work. Brava to the team for doing extensive research and capturing a brave individual whose Mexican history deserves accolades and recognition for future generations.

KEMBA
BET+ Documentary

“If it had not been for the Lord on my side, let the church say…” This unique call and response can be felt and heard among parishioners, who often look back and are amazed at their transformation today. After viewing Kemba Smith Pradia’s powerful documentary, I realized that God’s grace is sufficient, and this could’ve been my story.

You gravitate into a seemingly innocent love escapade that journeys into a world many Black women, specifically targeted to tell this life story, can identify with. As the great lawyer Elaine Jones explains, what would our dating and marriage world consist of if women never encountered a Joker or two? A genuinely dismal outlook would ensure that the pickings are slim and few to none.

The film, based on factual occurrences, takes you on an assimilation of a bus ride as you experience the various stops Kemba endured while falling in love, discovering heartbreak and domestic violence, and how you pick up the pieces when your world shatters. The actual meat of this documentary is depicted in the intricacies of how our justice system is often flawed, with harsher than standard penalties for brown and Black people. And how the astounding difference a lawyer makes can either help or prevent you from obtaining the freedom you rightly deserve as an American citizen.

Knowing that Kemba successfully overcame the chains that her accountability warrants, she no longer identifies as a victim but is now a victor who has helped many others seek clemency to overturn unjust convictions. This film is a must-watch for young women and older to remind us that the road to love is often paved with hidden snakes, rocks, and beasts.

As Black women in America, we are given many trials and tribulations that can so easily beset us to harbor a wound of despair. Therefore, we must often fight ten times harder to break the bondage historically placed on us. KEMBA will move you to fight and never give up hope regarding your freedom.

SHIRLEY
Netflix

Actress Regina King perfectly portrays a historic trailblazer who can ignite a fire within us all as women. King beautifully encapsulates the mannerisms, dialect, and emotion that Shirley Chisholm felt as she completed the candidacy race to become the President of the United States. You often forget Regina is even acting as Chisholm’s spirit rises through the screen.

From beginning to end, we see the plight of political leaders who must endure changes in their relationships with siblings, marital partners, and colleagues, which can take a toll on their careers for the greater good. I genuinely admire Shirley Chisholm’s loyalty to her friendships despite the love not being entirely reciprocal.

This film focuses on this unique aspect of Chisholm’s life, allowing the audience to see greater detail of the people surrounding her and their distinct roles. One scene between her and her husband truly resonated with me, as it shows how a strong Black woman must often have a partner who can handle the weight of the anointing or purpose placed in their life. Overall, I appreciate the storytelling the writer and directors convey, which will convince audiences to question their integrity and character.